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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Online grant applications can help bring bookstore back to Laredo

                        ( Laredo, TX – August 3, 2010)  Mary Benavides may have a petite frame, but her determination to bring a bookstore back to Laredo, is super-sized.  Since the city’s only bookstore closed its doors more than seven months ago – no, sluggish sales in Laredo weren’t to blame – she has been working on a plan to help open up a small, locally owned bookstore that will help keep literacy and a love for books alive in Laredo.  While Benavides puts the finishing touches on her business proposal and bank loan application, she is also looking for alternative funding mechanisms and this is where the community of Laredoans – or friends and family from around the world – can help to make her dream of bringing back a bookstore to Laredo a reality.

 Thanks to the Pepsi Refresh Project, Benavides’ idea for Laredo Books & More Bookstore has been accepted as one of the ideas competing for a grant award; in this case, for a $250,000 start-up grant. But the only way to win is for people to vote – via the Internet or mobile phone – and the deadline is on August 31, 2010.

 According to the Pepsi website, “Pepsi is giving away millions in grants to refresh individuals and communities.  We’re looking for people, businesses and non-profits with ideas that will have a positive impact.  Look around your community and think about how you want to change it.” 

 Benavides’ application for Laredo Books & More was accepted, so anyone who wants to see a bookstore in Laredo has until August 31 to vote.  To vote online, visit www.refresheverything.com and select the Browse Ideas and Vote button.  Select the Arts & Culture (blue) category, then select the $250,000 button. If Laredo Books & More doesn’t appear, then hit the Load More button until it appears.  Once it appears, click on the Vote For This Idea button, and follow the short menu to submit your vote.  Votes can also be sent by mobile phone.  Text 101933 to PEPSI (73774); standard messaging rates apply. Supporters of Laredo Books & More can vote once per day, via each option, until August 31.  Only the top two vote getters will receive the grant award.  Currently, the idea is ranked in the high 400s.

            Another world wide web option to help support Laredo Books & More and also has a deadline looming at the end of the month is the $30,000 grant application from Love a Local Business.  This project is designed to help local businesses also grow and impact their community.  Log on to http://lovealocalbusiness.intuit.com, and select the I’m a Fan of a Local Business icon, and on the map, find the heart that reads Laredo Books & More.  Click on the icon, and follow the short menu to sign up and vote.  Vote everyday to help raise the profile of this business so that it may also win this award.

 “I’m really excited about opening a bookstore in Laredo,” said Benavides.  “Laredo Books & More will allow me to continue providing books to our great city of Laredo, but also, as the name implies, it will be more than just a bookstore.  I want to create a true community atmosphere with student performances, poetry contests, reading clubs and more.  But I need Laredo’s help.  Please vote,” she concluded.

 For more help regarding voting on either of the sites, questions or more information, please call (956) 231-9821.